Teacher's homework: Losing 60 pounds

By

Calvin Houts

Updated 11:39 AM EDT,

Tue October 30, 2012

Most of us probably have a few extra pounds we'd like to get rid of. Mary Ward "Wubbie" Hendrix of Atlanta, Georgia, is getting help with trying to lose her extra weight with the help of a personal trainer.

Wubbie's goal is to lose 60 pounds. She started working out with trainer Mike Granatelliabout a year ago.

"Initially, she did very well" and lost about 20 pounds in the first three months, Granatelli says. "Then came the holidays, holidays always add a little weight."

Wubbie is a middle school teacher in the Atlanta area. Granatelli says that allowed her to spend last summer with her family in Alabama. So he says "We're kind of at the beginning of our journey all over again."

This time around will be different, according to Wubbie. She says she's "more settled" in her job. Last year was her first year at the middle school where she works. "I know what to expect so I know what I can do to prepare for that." And that will give her more time to concentrate on her weight-loss goals.

Like anyone, Wubbie has had some obstacles while trying to lose weight.

"I think probably the main thing is I get frustrated if I don't see immediate results," she says.

And when Wubbie gets frustrated, she turns to food. "I love soft drinks, which are not good for you."

"I'm not a huge sweets person, but I like salty foods," she said. Granatelli's advice is "not to drink our calories and limit the salty foods."

Granatelli says Wubbie needs to try not to get stressed or frustrated and to "use exercise as a positive stress."

Wubbie says she can "come in and exercise instead of not coming in."

We'll be checking in with Wubbie over the next several months. Watch for her again in about a month and keep up with her progress!